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New Zealand’s first dedicated animal MRI clinic has opened in Christchurch as a growing number of Kiwis are willing to invest in their pets’ care, including one man who spent $75,000 flying his cat to Auckland to be operated on by a top animal surgeon.
Pacific Radiology has teamed up with … View moreNew Zealand’s first dedicated animal MRI clinic has opened in Christchurch as a growing number of Kiwis are willing to invest in their pets’ care, including one man who spent $75,000 flying his cat to Auckland to be operated on by a top animal surgeon.
Pacific Radiology has teamed up with McMaster & Heap veterinary practice in Hoon Hay to offer the service using the same technology currently used to treat human patients.
Able to scan animals less than 180 centimetres in circumference, the wide bore MRI technology can be used on household pets, farm animals and some zoo animals, including tigers.
Costing upwards of $3500, MRI is considered the gold standard of veterinary diagnostic treatment according to McMaster & Heap veterinarian Michelle McMaster, but they have not been widely used on animals.
Used to look inside a body, Magnetic Resonance Imaging utilises magnetic fields and radio waves to create a three-dimensional image, providing accurate high resolution images of an animal’s brains, spine, limbs and joints.
For the past four years McMaster has been taking pets that needed an MRI to Forté Health, but the scans had to be fitted around human patients and were often undertaken at night.
With clients prepared to spend more money on their pets, McMasters, who has been working as a vet for over 30 years, has been helping scan up to nine animals a month alongside Pacific Radiology MRI Animal Imaging Lead Gareth Leeper using Forté Health.
Christchurch pet owner Justin, who did not want his last name used, knows all too well how important having an MRI facility close at hand is after Sashenka (pictured), his 14-year-old Norwegian Forest cat, became ill in 2019.
After many tests and with no diagnosis a CT scan eventually showed Sashenka had a meningioma tumour.
Considered to be his fur daughter, Justin, whose partner is expecting their first child, had no hesitation in making an appointment and flying her to Auckland to be operated on by a top animal surgeon.
There Sashenka could get an MRI scan that would enable the surgery to take place – without it she would not have survived.
“It was critical,” Justin says.
Sashenka made a miraculous recovery from the operation but required a further five scans, two CT scans and three rounds of chemotherapy before she died two years later.
Town and Country vet Roger Bay and his team euthanise a growing number of animals at home, where the pet’s last memory is of its happy place.
Although Justin estimates he spent around $75,000 on Sashenka’s care, he has no regrets and is part of a growing number of Kiwis willing to invest in their pet’s care.
“She was my everything…my fur daughter and my best friend.”
McMaster said most pet owners that come to her clinic will try and fix “everything”.
“We very rarely put anything down.”
PD Insurance NZ chief operating officer Michelle Le Long said year-on-year they have seen growth in the pet insurance market, although she thinks the market is still under-insured with less than 25% of the estimated 1.7 companion pets not insured.
Le Long said it wasn’t unusual to have pet owners in their early 20s signing on as the value of pets have increased.
A lot of insurers covered diagnostic MRI scans, she said.
A roof on Christchurch’s planned stadium is being described as key to making the venue competitive, despite its cost.
Following recently revealed cost blowouts, public feedback has been pouring in on whether Te Kaha stadium should be built as planned.
Rising construction costs have hiked the … View moreA roof on Christchurch’s planned stadium is being described as key to making the venue competitive, despite its cost.
Following recently revealed cost blowouts, public feedback has been pouring in on whether Te Kaha stadium should be built as planned.
Rising construction costs have hiked the forecast cost to build the 30,000-seat venue, described as a multi-use arena, from $533 million to $673m. Further escalations are possible.
City councillors will decide on July 14 whether to top up the budget, pause and redesign the project, or scrap it all together. Paying the extra would boost the average rates bill by $144 a year, or about $2.75 a week.
Read more here and tell us what you think of the stadium plan - and whether it should have a roof, or whether it should go ahead at all - in the comments below.
Have you read our June Seniors newsletter? In this issue we discuss the Older Workers Employment Action Plan, Budget 2022 and hear from Equal Employment Commissioner Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo. Read it here now: bit.ly...
Help Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these … View moreHelp Kiwis in need this winter by giving through the Trade Me Kindness Store. Trade Me has teamed up with three awesome Kiwi charities - KidsCan, RainbowYOUTH and Women’s Refuge. The Kindness Store’s virtual shelves are stocked with small things that make a big difference to the Kiwis these charities help.
Giving is easy – just pick, click and ‘Give Now’. Trade Me takes care of the rest. 100% of the donations go to the charities – Trade Me doesn’t take a cut.
The chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.
We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit … View moreThe chilly, gum boot wearing, kettle on, soup season has moved into town! Don’t get stung by your winter power bill neighbours, start shopping around now - even if you’re on a contract.
We asked neighbours why they’re not switching power providers and found out for many it feels a bit baffling with so many options and not enough help. Read why Kiwis aren’t switching and the easy steps to get your power sorted before bill shock hits.
Need to keep it stress free? Call our NZ based team on 0508 226 672, it’s free!
We’re here to help you compare, save and smile!
Hi everyone
This week we have discounted a range of men’s, women’s, kids clothes and shoes. We also have new homewares and other little gems all ready waiting for you.
We are open 7 days Monday - Friday 9.00am -5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday 10.00am - 3.00pm. 683 Ferry Road, behind… View moreHi everyone
This week we have discounted a range of men’s, women’s, kids clothes and shoes. We also have new homewares and other little gems all ready waiting for you.
We are open 7 days Monday - Friday 9.00am -5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday 10.00am - 3.00pm. 683 Ferry Road, behind Domino’s.
Howdy folks, a woman with a very strong accent tried to tell us our Internet connection has insecure Broadband. There was a lot of noise in the background (like a call centre) Firstly we are not with Spark & 2ndly we love Utube Scammer payback - Hilarious :) Just said "Go away … View moreHowdy folks, a woman with a very strong accent tried to tell us our Internet connection has insecure Broadband. There was a lot of noise in the background (like a call centre) Firstly we are not with Spark & 2ndly we love Utube Scammer payback - Hilarious :) Just said "Go away scammer" & hung up. Stay safe, don't give any access to any of your devices.
Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View moreAre you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
There are prizes to be won.
Complete the Phillipstown matariki treasure hunt to go in the draw to win.
Finishes on Saturday.
Enter on paper or via app.
www.phillipstown.org...
Brighten up your life and home with these fun party cup dolls, beads of joy and blooming plant pots with your favourite Resene testpot colours.
Find out how to create your own.
Unleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go … View moreUnleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go all out! Check out some of the previous entires here.
Take part in the 2022 Resene Upcycling Awards. There are four great prizes worth $500 up for grabs: a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!
Hi everyone
Check out these discounts for the weekend, starting with 25% off duvets on Friday, 25% off kids and baby clothes Saturday and 25% off paintings and pictures on Sunday. Plus we have a great selection of women’s clothes from size 6- size. 26. Loads new stock including shoes, menswear, … View moreHi everyone
Check out these discounts for the weekend, starting with 25% off duvets on Friday, 25% off kids and baby clothes Saturday and 25% off paintings and pictures on Sunday. Plus we have a great selection of women’s clothes from size 6- size. 26. Loads new stock including shoes, menswear, homewares.
Pop in and check it out.
Open Friday 9.00am -5pm, Saturday 10am - 4.00pm, Sunday 10.am - 3.00pm, 683 Ferry Road behind Domino’s.
Is Addictive Eaters Anonymous for you?
Only you can decide whether or not Addictive Eaters Anonymous is for you. For many of us, accepting that we were addictive eaters is the best thing we have ever done; it was our first step on the road to recovery.
Hi everyone
Our birthday celebrations are in full swing, tomorrow Wednesday we have 25%off China, Thursday 25% of preloved men’s clothing and a special for super gold card holders with 25% off scarves and shoes. Our feature table is all about music and disco, so swing by and take a peak.
More … View moreHi everyone
Our birthday celebrations are in full swing, tomorrow Wednesday we have 25%off China, Thursday 25% of preloved men’s clothing and a special for super gold card holders with 25% off scarves and shoes. Our feature table is all about music and disco, so swing by and take a peak.
More specials are lined up for the weekend.
Open 7 days Mon- Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm, Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday 10.00am - 3.00pm
683 Ferry Road, behind Domino’s.
Hi everyone
Redcross Woolston have been in the community for a year and it’s time to say a big thanks to the Woolston community and our loyal shoppers. So tomorrow Tuesday from 11.00am - 1.00pm we have a sausage sizzle and 25% of all preloved women’s clothing, Wednesday 25% of China, Thursday… View moreHi everyone
Redcross Woolston have been in the community for a year and it’s time to say a big thanks to the Woolston community and our loyal shoppers. So tomorrow Tuesday from 11.00am - 1.00pm we have a sausage sizzle and 25% of all preloved women’s clothing, Wednesday 25% of China, Thursday 25% of preloved mens clothing and for our gold cardholders 25% off scarfs and shoes. More specials to come.
Open 7 days Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5pm, Sat 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sun 10.00am - 3.00pm
683 Ferry Road behind Domino’s.
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